November 2025 Newsletter
Issue 20
Half Term & Halloween Fun!
Get ready for a spook-tacular October half term at Birtley Community Pool! 🎃👻
We’ll be hosting inflatable and slide sessions— perfect for families looking to make a splash this autumn.
Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page or see the timetable below for full event times — you won’t want to miss it!
Meet the Team
Senior Operations Manager – Lewis Herbertson
Manages the pool, easily spotted in a blue shirt. Lewis oversees the entire facility, ensuring everything runs smoothly day to day.
Business Support Manager – Amber Barry
Handles all things administrative, communications, and social media. Look for her in a navy shirt—she keeps the behind-the-scenes work flowing smoothly.
Chair of the board – Yvonne Probert
Yvonne grew up swimming at Birtley Pool and has been passionate about its community ever since. With over 20 years’ experience in the voluntary sector, she brings leadership, dedication, and a love of swimming to her role as Chair.
Treasurer – Matthew Grant
A competitive swimmer and experienced accountant, Matthew played a key role in bringing the pool back to life. His work on business planning and fundraising helped secure the funding needed to reopen and his priority now is to ensure the pool is financially sustainable for the future.
Become a Trustee
We’re looking for new Trustees to join our board — especially individuals with experience in marketing or volunteer management. If you’re passionate about community projects and want to help shape the future of Birtley Community Pool, we’d love to hear from you!
Email: info@birtleycommunitypool.org.uk
Volunteers Needed
Whether you have a few spare hours or can commit to a regular schedule, your support will help us continue providing excellent services to the community.
We are currently recruiting for the following volunteer roles:
- Practical Tasks Volunteers
- Administration & Reception Volunteers
- Fundraising & Income Generation Volunteers
If you’d like to get involved, please email us at info@birtleycommunitypool.org.uk
Your time and effort will be invaluable in supporting the pool’s success!
Pool Rules & Etiquette
Lane Etiquette
- Choose a lane that matches your speed.
- Take care when entering an occupied lane — Sit at the side and hang your legs in the water to signal your intention to join, and wait for swimmers to complete two laps before starting to swim.
- Split the lane for two swimmers; circle swim when there are three or more.
- Rest in the corner of the lane so others can turn easily.
- Avoid wide strokes like butterfly when lanes are busy.
- Use equipment (e.g. training floats) safely and be considerate of others.
Pool Rules
To help keep everyone safe and happy, please remember:
- Shower before swimming – it helps keep our water sparkling clean.
- Skip the swim if you feel unwell or have an open wound.
- Babies must wear swim nappies at all times.
- Be respectful to our coaches, lifeguards, and fellow swimmers.
- Avoid swimming on a full or empty stomach.
- Walk, don’t run! The poolside can be slippery.
- No mobile phones or photography – for everyone’s privacy and safety, please do not use phones or take photos/videos in the changing areas, poolside, or around the pool. This rule helps protect and safeguard all our swimmers, especially children.
Timetable Updates
October Half-Term
Slide Sessions
- Mon to Sun – 10-11:30am
- Tue, Wed & Fri 2:30-4pm
Inflatable & Slide Sessions
- Mon, Thu, Sat & Sun –
1:30-2:30pm & 2:45-3:45pm
Aqua Classes
- Aquafit Tue 12pm
- Aquafit Wed 9:15am
- AquaIntro Thu at 7pm
Lane & General Swimming
- Mon to Fri – 6:15am-9:30pm
- Sat & Sun – 7am-1pm
November/December Timetable Updates
Aqua Classes
- AquaSocial Mon 10:30-11:30am Gentle exercise with complementary tea/coffee
- AquafitTue 5:15pm class suspended
Slide Sessions
- Mon, Wed & Fri 11:30am-12:45pm
- Tue evening session suspended
Lane Swimming
- Mon 2:45-6pm – Medium & Fast
- Mon to Thu 1-8pm – Medium & Fast
- Sat 7am-1pm – Medium & Fast
- Sun 9am-1pm – Medium & Fast
Improver pool
- Now open during all public swimming times
Donations
Help Us Make a Splash!
We’re still fundraising for exciting new inflatable obstacle course sections, and your support can make a big difference! Donations are gratefully received via our GoFundMe page:
Get in touch with Birtley Community Pool
Address
Birtley Community Pool, Durham Rd, Birtley,
Chester-le-Street, DH3 2PA